PTACF Announces New $1 Million Endowment For Children's Minnesota

Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund and Children's Minnesota are pleased to announce the new Hematology, Oncology Point of Care through Survivorship Research Endowment Fund. The fund will support research by nurses and advanced practice practitioners aimed at addressing any stage of a patient’s care journey with a focus on the unique long-term physical, mental and social challenges patients can face months or years after completing cancer treatment.

“We are grateful to the Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund for this new investment in not only research at Children’s Minnesota, but our nurses and cancer survivorship,” said Caroline Njau, chief nursing officer and senior vice president of patient care services at Children’s Minnesota. “This generous support will give our kid experts the ability to explore new avenues for treatment and care that can improve the lives of children diagnosed with cancer."

The majority of children diagnosed with cancer will survive into adulthood. However, many of the children, adolescents and young adults considered cured can experience health issues long after completing treatment. Survivorship programs monitor survivors for the late effects of cancer and treatment, address any problems and educate them about their health risks.

"Children’s Minnesota is renowned for its exceptional patient care and nursing innovation,” said Kevin Werwie, President of Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund Board of Directors. “Their commitment to groundbreaking pediatric hematology and oncology research aligns perfectly with our mission to be a positive force in the health and well-being of children with childhood diseases. By creating this new endowment fund to address the challenges of pediatric cancer survivors, we are investing in a brighter future for all children affected by cancer."